By Tim Sullivan

Detroit Free Press Special Writer

When Tarpon Springs (Fla.) East Lake offensive lineman Mason Cole committed to Michigan on Monday afternoon, it was the culmination of a recruiting process that seemed to be only a matter of time -- the 6-5, 285-pounder had long favored U-M.

“Obviously, for him to make another trip up there (last weekend), it was high on his list,” said East Lake High School football coach Bob Hudson. “His family is from Chicago so he has family up in the Midwest he had relatives, I think some that played in the Big Ten and stuff, so that's a big draw for him out there. He just kind of fell in love with it when he went out there.”

Cole’s pledge to the Wolverines is excellent news in its own right – he’s ranked the No. 109 player in the country for 2014, the third player in the class to earn Rivals250 distinction – but it could also bode well for his teammates.

Fellow rising senior Artavis Scott is the No. 93 player in the nation, a 5-11, 180-pound receiver who is electric with the ball in his hands. Class of 2015 wide receiver George Campbell may end up the highest-ranked of the three. He’s a 6-4, 180-pounder who has five-star potential.

“We have talked about going to school together,” Scott said. “Me and Mason, we’ve talked about it. When I talk to George, I tell him all the time: Go somewhere that you know you’ll have an impact, not just follow the crowd. I just want him to do something that benefits him.”

Should Michigan bat 1.000 on the trio, the Wolverines’ coaching staff will be adding plenty of talent to the roster. In addition to Cole’s skill on the offensive line, the other two bring a lot to like.

“Tay [Scott] is probably in 17 years the most competitive kid I’ve ever been associated with,” Hudson said. “He refuses to lose if he has any control over it. He hates to lose more than he loves to win.

“George is one of those kids you don't get very often,” Hudson continued. “He's so fast and so quick, and he’s long on top of it. He’s physical enough that the combination worked well for us at many positions. He’s like Javon Kearse, plays receiver and defensive end in high school.”

Cole’s commitment is one step in the right direction, and the Wolverines would love to reel in all three.

Tim Sullivan is the Football Recruiting Editor of The Wolverine magazine and TheWolverine.com. He is also a contributor to national football recruiting coverage on the Rivals.com network. You can follow him on Twitter @TimS_Wolverine.